Camp Mystic Director Offers Apology During Texas Hearing ‘We tried our hardest that night. It wasn’t enough to save your daughters
Camp Mystic is shown in Hunt, Texas on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
A leader of Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls located along the Guadalupe River in Texas Hill Country, delivered an emotional apology on Tuesday to the families of those who died in the 2025 flood. Edward Eastland spoke during the second day of a special legislative hearing examining the July 4 disaster that claimed the lives of 25 campers and two counselors. Many of the victims’ relatives were seated just behind him as he addressed the room. Lawmakers are expected to release a formal report on the tragedy later this year.
Eastland said that despite their efforts that night, they were unable to prevent the loss of life. He expressed deep regret, explaining that he and his father, Richard Eastland, were both present at the camp when intense rainfall caused the river to surge and overwhelm the property. The two tried to rescue campers as conditions worsened. Richard Eastland died in the flood, while Edward survived after being carried into a tree by the current. He described the victims as some of the youngest campers and counselors they had known for years, adding that the grief and anger from families is justified.
Another camp director, Britt Eastland, told lawmakers that changes would be made going forward, including better training for staff and emergency drills for campers covering threats such as floods, fires, tornadoes, and intruders. Investigators had already pointed out that the absence of proper preparation played a major role in the high number of deaths. State Senator Charles Perry criticized the camp’s previous lack of readiness and questioned whether the family should be allowed to operate the camp again, arguing that there must be accountability.
Lawmakers also pressed Edward Eastland on why no announcement was made over the camp’s public address system instructing everyone to move to higher ground. He responded that his focus remained on reaching cabins and helping those in immediate danger, and that leaving to make an announcement never crossed his mind during the crisis.
The Eastland family has said they hope to reopen parts of the camp by late May, using only areas that were not affected by the flooding. They anticipate around 900 campers this summer. These plans have upset many families of the victims, and several state officials have urged regulators to delay or deny renewal of the camp’s operating license, which is currently under review.
Another family member, also named Richard Eastland, stated that if the license is not renewed, they would likely challenge the decision, though they would not open without approval. The legislative committee itself does not have authority over the licensing process.
The family acknowledged that they have not yet decided whether they will ever reopen the sections of the camp located near the river. If they do, they said those buildings would no longer house campers. Britt Eastland said the decision remains uncertain and is something they are considering carefully.
Some lawmakers questioned whether the camp could realistically be prepared in time for the upcoming season. State regulators recently identified 22 problems with the camp’s emergency planning. During the hearing, the camp’s medical director, Mary Liz Eastland, admitted she had not formally reported the deaths from the previous summer to state health officials.
When asked directly if the camp was ready to host hundreds of children again, Britt Eastland said they were prepared and expressed confidence that the broader community would ultimately support reopening. His remarks drew a strong reaction in the room, with some attendees audibly responding and several victims’ family members choosing to leave.
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